devoid of ego

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of ego" is correct and completely usable in written English.
It is an adjective phrase used to describe a person and can be used in many contexts. For example: The leader of the organization was a humble person, devoid of ego.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He is thought of as completely trustworthy, he is well-known and, importantly, he is seen as devoid of ego.

The Guardian

And I will never forget the feeling of awe in Abreu's presence – a presence devoid of ego.

The Guardian - Music

The focus of his work is never in question and the motives are entirely devoid of ego.

The Guardian - Film

The newest crop of television stars are devoid of ego, blind ambition and agents who request astronomical salaries.

The New York Times - Arts

And, in a way, playing down her most intense, brilliant book with a soft title makes sense: Hampl is a memoirist almost completely devoid of ego.

The New York Times - Books

Cedar teases academic pomp and hyper-organization by dividing the movie into brisk sections introduced with what look like slides or microfiche pages, and he intercuts the scholarly and family disputes, in order to make it clear that no labor is entirely pure, devoid of ego and rivalry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The rebuilt Clippers, devoid of stars, devoid of egos and agendas, beat the Warriors for only the third time since they eliminated the Warriors in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs.

Los Angeles Times

Often, he said, the rooms were devoid of agendas or egos that could be found elsewhere.

Vice

"Robert Maxwell was a man of monstrous ego, devoid of any desire to serve the greater good".

The Guardian - Sport

If the economy to emerge relies on greed and financial egos devoid of regulation, we will have learned nothing.

The New York Times

Neurath rejected, along these lines, the language of the unconscious and the ego, subjective mental states devoid of material -physiological-, perceptual operationalnal correlates.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of ego" to emphasize a positive trait, especially in leadership or teamwork contexts. This highlights their focus on collective goals rather than personal recognition.

Common error

Don't confuse a lack of confidence or assertiveness with being "devoid of ego". Someone can be shy or reserved while still harboring a strong sense of self-importance. The phrase should be used when their actions consistently show humility and consideration for others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of ego" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality or characteristic. It describes the absence of excessive pride, self-importance, or arrogance in a person or entity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and completely usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devoid of ego" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe the absence of excessive pride or self-importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English writing. It often conveys a positive attribute, such as humility or selflessness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as well as formal business settings, it denotes a neutral register suitable for a variety of writing styles. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the subject's actions and behaviors, and not simply a lack of confidence. Alternatives such as "humble and unassuming" or "egoless" offer similar connotations, while the phrase's antonyms might include "arrogant" or "self-centered". In conclusion, "devoid of ego" is a valuable tool for describing admirable qualities, but it's important to use it judiciously and with a clear understanding of its implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Egoless

This is a single-word adjective that directly conveys the meaning of "devoid of ego".

Without self-importance

This alternative directly replaces "devoid of ego" with a phrase emphasizing the absence of self-importance.

Humble and unassuming

This alternative uses adjectives to describe the qualities of someone who lacks ego.

Modest in nature

This alternative highlights modesty as a characteristic associated with being "devoid of ego".

Without arrogance

Similar to "free from vanity", this highlights the absence of arrogance associated with high ego.

Free from vanity

This alternative focuses on the absence of vanity, a common trait associated with ego.

Lacking self-centeredness

This phrase emphasizes the absence of self-centeredness, a key aspect of being "devoid of ego".

Unassuming demeanor

This focuses on the outward behavior or attitude that reflects a lack of ego.

Unpretentious

This term refers to a lack of attempts to appear more important or knowledgeable than one is.

Characterized by humility

This alternative uses a longer phrase to emphasize that humility is a defining feature.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of ego" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of ego" to describe someone who lacks excessive pride or self-importance. For example: "The most effective leaders are often "devoid of ego", focusing instead on the needs of their team."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of ego"?

Alternatives to "devoid of ego" include "humble and unassuming", "modest in nature", or simply "egoless", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "devoid of ego" or "lacking ego"?

Both "devoid of ego" and "lacking ego" are grammatically correct, but "devoid of ego" may sound slightly more formal or emphatic. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

What does it mean for a person to be "devoid of ego"?

When someone is described as "devoid of ego", it means they do not display excessive pride, arrogance, or self-centeredness. They are typically humble, considerate, and focused on the needs of others rather than their own personal gain or recognition.